Inua Jamii beneficiaries in Ngong, Kajiado North constituency have lauded the government for ensuring they can access their funds in an easy, fast and convenient way.
While addressing the media in Ngong, the elderly persons said that since the government introduced the payment of the funds through E-Citizen, they are able to save on transportation costs which they would have used to access the banks.
“We used to travel for long distances to access the banks in addition to spending the money on transport but we thank the government for introducing E-Citizen which makes access to funds easier as MPESA agents are everywhere,” said Ann Njoki, a beneficiary.
Another beneficiary, Agnes Maina said that due to health complications, she is not able to travel for long distances to access the funds in the bank and has had to depend on her caregiver but she is now thankful that the funds are easily accessible.
Principal Secretary for Social Protection Joseph Motari, who conducted spot checks at Ngong to monitor the ongoing Inua Jamii cash transfer payments also reiterated that the new payment will enable the beneficiaries to access their payments in a more convenient way.
“The president, Dr. William Ruto directed us to ensure that the elderly are paid through their mobile phones. In some cases, the elderly used the 1,000 shillings for transport thus remaining with only 1,000 shillings and that is why the president said that they be paid via MPESA and E-Citizen platforms,” said PS Motari.
He emphasised that the Government remains committed to ensuring the seamless disbursement of cash transfers to enhance the well-being of vulnerable citizens.
Earlier this week,the State Department for Social Protection disbursed Sh 3.52 billion to 1,760,074 beneficiaries under the Inua Jamii programme for the January 2025 payment cycle. Payments commenced on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, with each beneficiary receiving Sh 2,000.
The government is transitioning Inua Jamii payments from bank accounts to MPESA agents via the E-Citizen to enhance service delivery.
The move was necessary to make the payments closer, easier and faster through the wide network of MPESA agents.
The pilot phase began in November 2024 in Murang’a and Marsabit counties. The funds can be accessed through the MPESA platform via E-Citizen by dialing *222#.
Beneficiaries or caregivers may visit any MPESA agent with their national ID to withdraw the full amount without transaction charges, or transfer the funds to their MPESA wallets for flexible use.
Those without registered Safaricom lines are required to purchase one, have it registered with their Identity Cards and activate MPESA.
Though MPESA agents are not usually allowed to register a line if anyone is 60 years and above, Safaricom has made an exception for Inua Jamii beneficiaries or caregivers whose Identity cards have been validated by Safaricom.
By Diana Meneto